Premium

‘Attempts being made to polarise communities, state govt needs to take strong action’: former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar

Manik Sarkar also warned that some forces were trying to create tensions between the tribal and non-tribal communities in Tripura.

Sarkar further said, “If the government doesn’t want to, no one can dare to divide people along communal lines.” (Image: nlcbharat.org)

Days after communal unrest broke out in Tripura’s Sepahijala district over the vandalism at a shrine dedicated to Lord Shani, former chief minister Manik Sarkar Saturday said the state government must take strict action against divisive elements without wasting time.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a blood donation camp in Agartala, Sarkar said, “Political forces are trying to divide people on Hindu-Muslim lines. People are busy fighting each other on these issues and remain oblivious to problems like inflation, devaluation of the currency, lack of employment, loss of business, etc. They are being deviated from core issues.”

In an apparent dig at the BJP which came to power in the northeastern state in 2018, the CPI(M) Politburo member said efforts to polarise voters were new in Tripura.

Story continues below this ad

Sarkar further said, “If the government doesn’t want to, no one can dare to divide people along communal lines.”

ALSO READ | Tripura launches pedal boats, premium Urbania buses to boost tourist footfall

He also warned that some forces were trying to create tensions between the tribal and non-tribal communities.

“The chief minister and his government know which organisations are doing these things. Why don’t they call them and discuss these issues… and work to resolve the real problems affecting people’s lives,” Sarkar said.

Referring to the problem of insurgency, the former chief minister said despite a series of surrenders by militants last year, attempts were being made to revive insurgency in the state.

Story continues below this ad

“The government is surely having this information. If they don’t have the information, it would be the government’s failure… We had kept a close watch when we used to run the government,” Sarkar said.

“We used to work collectively with the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and the Tripura State Rifles to stop insurgents from crossing the international border. These agencies had freedom then. If the government doesn’t adopt such strategies, then problems will arise,” he added.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram